Lab Workshop: Identifying White Oaks Through Leaf Trichomes

During a recent lab meeting, our team participated in a hands-on workshop focused on using leaf trichomes to identify white oaks. Led by Paul Thomson, the session provided an in-depth look at how these microscopic structures can serve as key diagnostic traits for distinguishing oak species.
Trichomes—tiny hair-like projections found on leaf surfaces—vary in shape, density, and arrangement among species. Paul guided us through the process of preparing leaf samples and using microscopes to examine trichome morphology. By comparing specimens from different species, we gained practical experience in recognizing trichome patterns that are characteristic of white oaks.
This workshop reinforced the value of microstructural traits in oak systematics and expanded our toolkit for species identification. A big thank you to Paul for sharing his expertise and leading an engaging discussion!